Complimentary tickets to tonight’s concert and a sample CD were provided in order to give this review. All opinions are our own.
I don’t know what it is about the Christmas season specifically, but nothing brings back more nostalgia from my childhood days. I think I can attribute most of my nostalgia to my mom’s love of Christmas (she never accepted a tree less than 10 feet tall) and the fact that Christmas lights are simply enchanting. I have loved getting to carry on so many traditions with my kids that my parents started.
But most of all my nostalgia and traditions lie in Christmas music. Even in the blazing hot days of winter in Texas, I knew Christmas was near when I could hear the faint tunes of Amy Grant’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas from the tape player in our living room. To this day, every time I hear Breath of Heaven I can picture myself staring at our decorated Christmas tree and wondering what gifts would be under it the next morning.
With all this nostalgia, you can imagine that I jumped at the chance to hear Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant perform at the American Airlines Center on Friday, December 12 at 7:30pm. I mean, if there were ever a moment to relive all my childhood music memories in one place, it would be there!
I got a chance to listen to Michael W. Smiths newest Christmas CD, The Spirit of Christmas, earlier this week and let me tell you, it is delightful. He again does what he’s known for: beautiful orchestra music coupled with his magical voice. But he goes above and beyond on this album, with the additional talents of Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, Bono, Michal McDonald and of course, Amy Grant.
The Spirit of Christmas follows in the tradition of musical excellence established by Michael W. Smith on his three previous holiday albums and throughout his entire body of work. “It’s not a duets record. It’s a Michael W. Smith record. It definitely feels that way,” ~Robert Deaton, CMA Producer
The final product is nothing but a magical Christmas album to cherish for years to come. Tracks include traditional favorites like “What Child Is This?” “Silent Night”. “Christmas Time Is Here”, and “White Christmas.” But one that really stands out is the Christmas mashup “The Spirit of Christmas” which includes a musical combination of Deck the Halls, Good King Wenceslas, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Feels Like Christmas, O Come All Ye Faithful!
Anyone else just over all the hip and cool new Christmas music that comes out every year? Just give me the classics sung by my favorite singers. Period.
So if you’re looking for a last minute date night tonight or a Christmas CD to set the mood for your holiday season, look no further that Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. You won’t be disappointed!
For more information on Michael W. Smith’s The Spirt of Christmas Concert Tour, visit his website– michaelwsmith.com! His latest album can be found at participating retailers such as Target, in his online shop, or on Amazon.com
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Disclosure: I recieved complimentary tickets to the Michael W. Smith concert at American Airlines Center and his latest CD in order to be able to provide this review. All opinions are 100% my own!
